Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Wing, WI
Considering a move to Port Wing, WI? This peaceful lakeside community of just 164 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $158,000 and rent averaging $725. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates, a quiet rural setting, and short 26-minute commutes. With a strong owner-occupancy rate and close-knit feel, Port Wing is perfect for those seeking tranquility near Lake Superior. You'll also find a small but dedicated local school, nearby healthcare in Ashland, and the beauty of all four seasons in northern Wisconsin.
Demographics - Port Wing, WI
Demographics - Port Wing, WI
Port Wing is a small, close-knit community of 164 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 57, reflecting a mature, rural atmosphere. The area has a low population density of just 9 people per square mile and a slightly higher number of males than females. Non-English speakers make up only a small portion of the population, contributing to a homogenous local culture.
Population:
164
Density:
9 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.2
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Wing, WI?
Port Wing offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $158,000 and average rent around $725 per month. Basic costs for utilities, groceries, and transportation are generally below national averages, making it budget-friendly for both homeowners and renters. State taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%, and the overall cost of living index is 85.6, indicating lower expenses compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
62.4
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
81.3
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Port Wing, WI a safe place to live?
The community enjoys a low violent crime rate, with only 80 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crime is somewhat higher at 1,100 per 100,000, but overall, residents experience a peaceful, secure environment. Your chance of experiencing violent crime is very low at 1 in 1,250.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,180
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Wing, WI year-round?
Port Wing experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers; winter lows average 4°F, while summer highs reach about 77°F. The area receives around 31 inches of rainfall annually, and roughly 48% of days are sunny. This climate is ideal for those who enjoy the changing seasons and outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
4°F
Max:
25°F

Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
59°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
57°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Local residents have a median household income of $46,200 and a family income of $53,000, with about 12.5% living below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, and the area has a typical commute time of 26 minutes, reflecting its rural nature. Public transportation use is minimal, making personal vehicles the main mode of travel.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$46,200
Family Income:
$53,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
21.5%
Education
How are the schools in Port Wing, WI?
Local students attend South Shore Jr/Sr High School, a small public school with a low student-teacher ratio of 8.5, fostering personalized learning. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is available nearby at Northwood Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Superior, both within an hour’s drive. This setup supports a supportive educational environment from kindergarten through college.

Public Schools
Name:
South Shore Jr/Sr High School
Street:
10234 County Hwy A
Phone:
715-774-3500
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.5

Colleges
Name:
Northwood Technical College
City:
Ashland
State:
WI
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
University of Wisconsin-Superior
City:
Superior
State:
WI
Distance:
49 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Residents have access to healthcare services such as the Memorial Medical Center in nearby Ashland, offering general and emergency care. The region provides about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of locals have health insurance. Overall, healthcare coverage and accessibility are reliable for a small town.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Medical Center
Address:
1615 Maple Lane, Ashland, WI 54806
Phone:
(715) 685-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Wing, WI?
The housing market in Port Wing is affordable, with a median home price of $158,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $725. A high owner-occupancy rate of 84% highlights the area’s stability and community feel. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, indicating steady growth and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Port Wing residents are served by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office in Spooner. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are accessible both in-person and online via the state’s official portal. The office is located at 810 W. Maple St, Spooner, WI, and provides essential motor vehicle services for the region.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
810 W. Maple St, Spooner, WI 54801
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.